At the VE Day 80th anniversary concert at Horse Guards Parade, Kate Middleton—the Princess of Wales—embraced her signature style: elegant, timeless, and effortlessly polished. She wore a tailored cream Self-Portrait dress with structured shoulders and accessorized with her go-to jewelry choice: pearls. Adding a modern touch, she pinned a sleek black velvet bow in her hair—a stylish nod to current trends.

Her standout piece was a Susan Kaplan necklace featuring five strands of pearls, paired with multi-pearl earrings that stood out beautifully against her half-up hairstyle.

Pearls have always been a royal favorite, and Kate is no exception. Earlier this year, at the Holocaust Memorial Day service, she honored tradition by wearing Queen Elizabeth II’s Bahrain pearl drop earrings—a wedding gift from the Hakim of Bahrain—along with a three-strand pearl bracelet once owned by Princess Diana.

Diana famously wore the bracelet during some of her most memorable moments, including the 1989 Hong Kong tour with Prince Charles. Now passed down to Prince William, it has become a cherished part of Kate’s jewelry collection, appearing on multiple tours and engagements.

Accessories are where Kate truly excels. Her handbags often carry personal meaning or royal history—like her recent choice from Asprey, a brand favored by the late Queen. For sunglasses, she turns to Finlay & Co., a London-based, Italian-made eyewear label.

The black velvet bow in her hair marks a refined evolution of her style. Early in her royal life, Kate was known for her sleek ponytail, but this latest look embraces a more sophisticated take on a modern trend.

Pearls remain Kate’s go-to for solemn occasions. She wore them to Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, at Remembrance Day services, and now for another moment of national significance.

(Photos: Getty Images)